Welcome to our ultimate guide to Asturian cuisine! Nestled in the breathtaking region of Asturias in northern Spain, this culinary paradise is renowned for its rich gastronomic traditions and mouthwatering dishes. From the rugged mountains to the pristine coastline, Asturias offers a diverse range of flavors and ingredients that will captivate your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Whether you’re a food enthusiast looking to explore the local delicacies or a curious traveler eager to embark on a gastronomic adventure, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the vibrant and flavorful world of Asturian cuisine. Get ready to discover the unique flavors that make Asturian food an unforgettable experience here at Civitatis!
Let’s start with cheese!
Everyone knows that the cheeses of Asturias are some of the finest in the country. They’re renowned worldwide and play a crucial role in the locals’ daily lives and delicious recipes. That’s why Asturian cheeses are the perfect starting point for an authentic gastronomic journey through the captivating Principality of Asturias.
Did you know that Asturias boasts a whopping 40+ cheese varieties? It’s a cheese lover’s paradise, and each type is more mouthwatering than the last! Of course, it’s impossible to try them all in one trip, so we’ve carefully selected the most famous cheeses for you to savor, while uncovering their fascinating history and evolution.
Asturias proudly holds four Designations of Origin: Cabrales, Gamonéu, Casín, and Afuega’l Pitu. And let’s not forget the Protected Geographical Indication for Beyos cheese. For an authentic taste of the renowned Cabrales cheese, we recommend visiting a cheese factory in the Cabrales Council. If that’s not feasible, no worries! You can always embark on a delightful Cabrales cheese tour from Gijón.
If you happen to find yourself near the Picos de Europa National Park, consider yourself lucky! You’ll have the chance to explore the picturesque high mountain pastures where the exquisite Gamonéu cheese is crafted. And to complete your cheese adventure, we highly suggest indulging in a cheese and cider tour in Asturias. It’s a fantastic opportunity to witness the captivating process behind the production of the unique Afuega’l Pitu cheese.
Sidra, aka Spanish cider
One key element of Asturian cuisine that we simply can’t overlook is cider, or sidra in Spanish. Asturias takes the crown with 80% of the national production, boasting over 70 cider presses, locally known as “llagares,” where more than 40 million bottles of this delightful beverage are crafted. From the cultivation of its raw materials to the production process and the ultimate tasting experience, cider holds a significant place in the region’s culture.
With its own Denomination of Origin, cider is poured and enjoyed by the bottle, typically served in small glasses called “culines.” It accompanies almost every dish, becoming a ritual that locals master effortlessly but not everyone can claim the same level of expertise.
Any gastronomic route through Asturias has to include a visit to a cider mill. We recommend touring the Sidra JR cider mill or the Mirador de Miranda cider mill. So, get ready to immerse yourself in the cider culture and savor the true essence of Asturias!
Legumes, a hearty Asturian tradition
Ahh the humble legume, an absolute staple in Asturian cuisine. Taking center stage is the Asturian faba bean, which holds the esteemed Protected Geographical Indication. The fabada, a delectable hearty stew, steals the limelight in the kitchens of this region. This native legume is paired with ingredients like chorizo, black pudding, and pork shoulder, resulting in a comforting dish that has the power to warm up even the coldest winter day.
While it’s true that beans originally came to Spain from America, the faba bean discovered an exceptional terrain for cultivation in Asturias. Since then, no Asturian culinary tradition is complete without a generous serving of fabada gracing the table. And, of course, just like in any region, there are equally delightful variations to explore, such as faba beans with clams or Verdina beans from Asturias.
Meat from the Asturian mountains
As mentioned before, Asturian gastronomy skillfully utilizes the bountiful resources from both land and sea. One of Asturian cuisine’s most famous meat dishes is the delicious cachopo. Just envision two juicy fillets of Asturian beef stuffed with Serrano ham and cheese, breaded and then fried to perfection. Our mouths water at the mere thought of it!
But let’s not forget that there’s more to Asturian cuisine than just cachopo. The region offers a plethora of meat dishes that you definitely shouldn’t miss on your gastronomic journey through Asturias. To try the best of the best, we recommend visiting inland towns like Cangas de Onís, Oviedo, or Pola de Siero, where you’ll find exceptional dining options to satisfy your meat-loving cravings.
Treasures from the Cantabrian Sea
From the mountains, we make our way to the coast, an essential stop on our gastronomic journey through Asturias. The waters of the Cantabrian Sea bless Asturian kitchens with an invaluable gift each day – an abundance of fish that takes center stage in a variety of delectable dishes. Mackerel, hake, sardines, turbot, monkfish, and scorpionfish proudly reign as the undisputed protagonists.
A perfect plan for your culinary adventure is visiting a fish market, or rula in Asturian. There, you can explore the language used to describe the different fish varieties in this region and appreciate the hard work of the fishermen who venture out to sea to bring back these culinary treasures. The bustling rulas of Puerto de Vega, Avilés, or Lastres are excellent places to witness these unique fish auctions firsthand!
Ending on a sweet note
As we bring our gastronomic journey to a close, it’s time to shine a spotlight on Asturian desserts. Every village or municipality boasts its own signature sweet treat, and you’ll have the pleasure of discovering them in the numerous confectioneries you encounter during your trip.
However, there are a few desserts that you simply cannot miss on any culinary adventure through Asturias. Indulge in the creamy delight of rice pudding (arroz con leche), savor the delectable frixuelos, a type of sweet crepe, and treat yourself to casadielles, pastries filled with walnuts, sugar, and aniseed. These desserts serve as the perfect finale to any meal and will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds!
